Having not changed tack recently in no way means the tack fits and the tack is not what is causing the problem.

oh no I totally agree, what I meant was for her to completely flip 180 as the OP describes it is lower on my list. Most of the time if the tack is becoming uncomfortable you don't see such sudden changes. BUT yes absolutely rule out that the tack is still fitting properly and not causing pain. I definitely think she hurts somewhere, but I'd be more concerned about about something like teeth or an injury first. But yes, sorry I didn't mean it couldn't be the tack, I just meant it shouldn't be the tack.

We did get her instructor to check out her tack and she couldn't find anything wrong (I trust her immensely, too). She has suggested that we change her bit as she says the one we are using might be a bit harsh (a french link snaffle with egg butt rings). I have recently ordered a new one as recommended by Horseland Ballarat which is also a snaffle but it has curved mouthpiece, a rounded lozenge and loose rings. Sorry, can't remember what it is called.

Her previous owner said that the french link was the only bit that she actually liked but I don't know how many she tried, or whether something has changed. We will give the new bit a try when my daughter has her next lesson.

I meant to add, too, that this behaviour is only occurring when she is being ridden. At all other times she is fine. As I said previously, she is an old girl so she may well be developing some aches and pains. We will try a few things first and if these don't work we will look at getting her some physio, etc.

oh no I totally agree, what I meant was for her to completely flip 180 as the OP describes it is lower on my list. Most of the time if the tack is becoming uncomfortable you don't see such sudden changes. BUT yes absolutely rule out that the tack is still fitting properly and not causing pain. I definitely think she hurts somewhere, but I'd be more concerned about about something like teeth or an injury first. But yes, sorry I didn't mean it couldn't be the tack, I just meant it shouldn't be the tack.

I do agree with your logic here. Makes sense.

I think a full vet work up is in order too.

I have to admit that I have never heard anyone call a french link egg butt snaffle a harsh bit. Interesting.

Since it is only undersaddle that she is acting up I feel even more confident that this is a pain issue. I'd definitely have her worked up. If you have a good chiro/eq massage therapist (read: certified and with immaculate references) they might be a good place to start.

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